Officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province have outlined plans to address water resource challenges as the region experiences a 10% reduction in rainfall compared to the five-year average.
The measures, aimed at mitigating the effects of drought, come under the direction of Governor Sittichai Sawatsae and involve multiple agencies collaborating on prevention and response strategies.
On Monday, 20 January 2025, Deputy Governor Prateep Boriboonrat chaired a meeting on water management, organised by the Provincial Irrigation Office. Representatives from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Regional Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office 4, and the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Irrigation Project joined discussions held at the Provincial Irrigation Project’s conference room.
Rainfall and water reserves
The meeting revealed that rainfall for the 2024/2025 period totalled just 993 millimetres, significantly impacting water reserves in both large and medium-sized reservoirs. The Pranburi Reservoir, a critical water source, currently holds 166 million cubic metres of usable water, equating to 42% of its capacity. Medium-sized reservoirs collectively hold 53 million cubic metres, or 49% of capacity.
Dry-season water allocation plan
Officials have developed a dry-season water allocation plan for 2024/2025, allocating 220.27 million cubic metres of water as follows:
- Agriculture: 70%
- Consumption: 23%
- Ecosystems and industry: 7%
Challenges persist, however, with uneven water distribution and limited reserves in some reservoirs. The Khlong Bueng Reservoir is at 24% of capacity, holding 5.3 million cubic metres, while the Khlong Chong Lom Reservoir is at just 14%, holding 0.79 million cubic metres.
Drought mitigation measures
Authorities have identified 13 drought risk points across the province:
- Hua Hin: 4 points
- Sam Roi Yot: 2 points
- Mueang District: 2 points
- Thap Sakae: 2 points
- Bang Saphan: 2 points
- Bang Saphan Noi: 1 point
To address these risks, the following measures are being implemented:
- Deployment of 8-inch water pumps for emergency use.
- Provision of two water trucks to deliver drinking water to areas in need.
- Dredging of 10 key water sources to increase storage capacity.
- Encouraging residents to conserve water.
Additionally, water pumps and reserve supplies are being prepared, and authorities are monitoring conditions at key reservoirs, such as Khlong Bueng, to ensure a proactive response.
Officials emphasised that with comprehensive planning and systematic measures, the province aims to mitigate the effects of water shortages. Deputy Governor Prateep Boriboonrat expressed confidence that these efforts would alleviate water scarcity in affected areas while encouraging efficient water use among residents.